The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

empty-handed \empty-handed\ adj.
   having acquired or gained nothing; as, the returned from the
   negotiations empty-handed.

   Syn: unrewarded.
        [WordNet 1.5]

   2. carrying nothing in the hands.
      [WordNet 1.5]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

empty-handed
    adj 1: having acquired or gained nothing; "the returned from the
           negotiations empty-handed" [syn: empty-handed,
           unrewarded]
    2: carrying nothing in the hands